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HARVESTER.

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No. 429,959. PaJtentedJune In 1 890.

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HARVESTER.

Patented June 10, 1890.

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H. A. J. RIEUKERT.

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HARVESTER.

No.. 429,959. Patented June 10, 1890.

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H. A. J. RIEOKERT. HARVBSTBR.

No. 429,959. Patented June 1890.

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HARVESTER.

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(No Model.) 13 Sheets-Sheet 11.

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HARVESTER. N0. 129,959. Patented June 10, 1890.

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(No Model.) H. A. J. RIEOK'ERT 13 Sheets-Sheet 12.

HARVESTER.

No. 429,959. Patented June 10, 1890.

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No 429,959. Patented June 10; 1890.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HERMAN A. J. RIECKERT, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

HARVESTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 429,959, dated June 10, 1890. Application filed December 19, 1889- Serial No. 334,310. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HERMAN A. J. RIEOK- ERT, of the city, county, and Stat-e of New York, have invented a new and Improved Harvester, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The invention relates to harvesters in which part of the grain cut is formed into a band to tie the sheaf, the special mechanism for forming the band being preferably of the construction shown and described in the application for United States Letters Patent for a straw-twisting machine, Serial No. 317,082,

filed by me July 10, 1889, allowed October 2,; 1889, and issued April 8, 1890, No. 425,187,

and the special mechanism for tying the band around the sheaf of grain being preferably of the construction shown and described in the United States Letters Patent fora selfbinder, Serial No. 322,528, filed by me August 31, 1889. I

The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved harvester which is auto matic and very effective in operation, and in which the grain is readily'cut, formed into sheaves, and a part of it is used for automatically forming bands, which are automatically tied around the sheaves, so that the latter are discharged in perfect shape from the harvester.

The invention consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the same, as will be hereinafter fully described, and then pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is aplan View of the improvement. Fig. 2 is a front view of the same. Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse section of part of the improvement. Fig. 4. isa sectional plan view of part of the improvement on the line a; 50 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 6 is a front view of part of the same. Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the outer cam for the binding mechanism and shown in an extended line. Fig. 8 is a like View of the inner cam for the same. Fig. 9 is an enlarged side elevation of the front end of the machine. Fig. 10 is a front View of the same. Fig. 11 is a plan view ofthe same with parts removed. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the cutting mechanism and platform with parts in section. same on the line y y of Fig. 12. Fig. 14. is an enlarged side elevation of the same as seen from the grain side. Fig. 15is a plan view of the same. Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan view, with parts broken out, of the cutting mechanism. Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional side elevation of the same on the line 2' z of Fig. 16, looking in the direction of the arrow 2. Fig. 18 is a plan view of the mechanism for moving the cutter-bar and reel. Fig. 19 is a side elevation of the same with parts broken out and parts in section. Fig. 20 is a plan View of the cutter-guard. Fig. 21 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 22 is a side elevation of the reel and its support. Fig. 23 is a transverse section of part of the same. Fig. 2% is an enlarged transverse section of a part of the same. Fig. 25 is a side elevation of the joint for folding the reel. Fig. 26 is a side elevation of the mechanism for raising or lowering the reel. Fig. 27 is an enlarged transverse section of the joint between the spoke and the reel-arm of the reel. Fig. 28 is a sectional end view of the same. Fig. 29 is an enlarged sectional side elevation of the horizontal telescoping reel-arm joint. Fig. 30 is an enlarged side elevation, with parts in section, of the mechanism for raising and lowering the reel and platform on the grain side. Fig. 31 is a transverse section of the same on the line w w of Fig. 30. Fig. 32 is an inverted plan view of the general driving mechanism, parts being in section. Fig. 33 is a transverse section of part of the same. Fig. 34 is a plan view of the regulating device for the straw-band machine, parts being broken out. Fig. 35 is a transverse section of the same on the line if t of Fig. 34. Fig. 36 is an enlarged front View of the locking device for the same, with parts in section. Fig. 36 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 36 is a sectional side elevation of the same on the line 5 s of Fig. 36. Fig. 37 is a plan View of the elevator and binder, the former being shown in an inclined position for elevating short grain to the binder. Fig. 37 is a transverse section of part of the same on the line 7' r of Fig. 37. Fig. 37 is a trans verse section of part of the same on the line Fig. 13 is a transverse section of the v g g of Fig. 37. Fig. 38 is a plan view, with parts in section, of the straw-band machine and mechanism for placing the band onto the binder. Fig. 39 is a side elevation of the same with parts in section. Fig. 40 is an en larged plan view, with parts in section, of the band-carrier for transmitting the band from the twisting-machine to the binder. Fig. 41 is a front view of part of the same. Fig. 42 is a like view of the same in another position. Fig. 43 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 4i is a transverse section of the same on the line a u of Fig. 40. Fig. 45 is a plan view of part of the same. Fig. 46 is an enlarged side elevation, with parts in section, of the sheafcarrying arms and cams of the binder. Fig. 47 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 48 is a transverse section of the same on the line?) 1: of Fig. 47. Fig. 49 isa plan view of the forked end of one of the sheaf-carrying arms of the binder. Fig. 50 is an enlarged plan view of the upper end of the elevator. Fig. 51 is an enlarged sectional end view of the elevatorslide and connection. Fig. 52 is a face view of part of one of the carrier-bars for the elevator. Fig. 53 is an enlarged plan view of part of the lower end of the elevator, and Fig. 54 is a sectional end elevation of the SILIDG.

The improved harvester is provided with a suitably-construeted main frame A, on the rear end of which is mounted to turn in suitable bearings the driving-wheel A. In the front end of the main frame A is held the guide-wheel A mounted in a frame A pivoted at A to the front end of the main frame A, so that the axis of the said wheel can be turned horizontally in order to move the machine around curves. On the axis of the guide-wheel A is held to swing vertically a clevis A to which the team for pulling the machine is hitched in the usual manner.

Between the driving-wheel A and the front guide-wheel A on the main frame A is arranged a transversely-extending rectangular frame A, in which is held to slide vertically a frame B, carrying the self-binding mechanism O, preferably of the construction shown and described in the patent above referred to. On the inner end of the frame A is mounted to turn in suitable bearingsawheel A adapted to travel on the ground and serving to assist in supporting the frame A.

In order to make the frame B, supporting the self-binder O, slide vertically, the said frame is provided on its ends with trunnions B, engaging boxes B held to slide vertically in bearings A, formed in the ends of the transversely-extending frame A. On the inner end of the frame B is rigidly secured an auxiliary frame I), on which is mounted to slide longitudinally the grain-platform F, which supports at its front end the cutting mechanism E and on which falls the grain cut by the cutting mechanism E, and which transfers the cut grain to the elevator G, adapted to move the cut grain upward in bundles onto the self-binder C. On the rear end of the auxiliary frame I) is supported the straw-twisting machine II, preferably of the construction shown and described in the application for patent above referred to. Said frame also supports, next to the strawtwisting machine H, the band cutting and transmitting mechanism I, which cuts the band formed by the band-machine H to the desired length, and transmits it to the selfbinder C to tie the bundle of grain delivered by the elevator G into a sheaf.

Over the platform F operates the reel J, provided with telescoping reel-arms, as hereinafter more fully described.

The several mechanisms above referred to are hereinafter described in detail in the regular order.

Motion is imparted to the several devices principally from the main driving-wheel A, which carries on the inner end of its shaft a sprocket-wheel K, over which passes a sprocket-chain K, also passing over a sprocket -wheel K secured on a hub K mounted to turn in suitable hearings in a bracket projecting from the frame B. A clutch-wheel K is secured on the inner end of the hub K and is adapted to be engaged by a clutch K mounted to slide on and to turn with a shaft K mounted to turn with one end in the hub K and with its other end in a suitable bearing formed on the frame B. (See Fig. 32.) The clutch K is provided with two cones K and K adapted to be alternately engaged by wedges or inclines K" and K respectively, secured on a screw-rod K, mounted to slide longitudinally, so as to move the said wedges alternately in contact with the cones K and K to engage the teeth of the clutch K with the teeth of the clutch K or disengage them from the same. (See Figs. l and 32.)

In order to move the screw-rod K" longitudinally, it is mounted in suitable hearings in the frame B, and carries on its threaded portion a grooved nut-wheel K over which passes an endless belt K also passing over a liorizontally-arranged double pulley K, mounted to turn in suitable hearings in the front part of the transverse frame A. The endless belt K after leaving the double pulley K passes over and around a pulley K mounted to turn on a stud near the front end of the main frame A. (See Figs. 9, 10, and 11.) On the pulley K is secured another pulley K over which passes an endless belt K extending slightly upward and forward, as is plainly shown in Fig. 9, and passing over a pulley K, on the face of which is secured a pulley K over which passes another endless belt K extending upward and passing over a pulley K fastened on a shaft K mounted to turn in suitable hearings in a bracket A projecting from the seat-frame A, carrying the drivers seat A and fastened on the front end of the main frame A. On the shaft K is secured a hand-wheel K, which ITO is taken hold of by the driver seated on the seat K and turned so as to engage the bracket A, secured to the seat-frame A,'

which latter is also provided with a foot-rest A for the drivers feet, as is plainly shown in Figs. 9, 10, and 11.

When the operator turns the hand-wheel K in one direction, the several belts K K and K are set in motion, so that the grooved nut-wheel K turns the screw-rod K ,whereby the latter slides longitudinally, and by either the wedge or incline K or K engages the cone K or K respectively, which engage or disengage the clutch K or the clutch K When the machine is moved forward, a rotary motion is imparted from the main driving-wheel A to the hub K and when the clutch K is engaged with the clutch K on the said hub the shaft K is turned.

WVhen the clutch K is disengaged from the clutch K, then the shaft K ceases to rotate, even if the machine is moved forward and the main driving-wheel A turns.

The shaft K is connected by a mechanism L with the cutting mechanism E, so as to actuate the latter in order to cut the grain. This mechanism is constructed and operates as follows: On the shaft K is secured agearwheel L, meshing into a gear-wheel L secured on a stud L mounted to turn in suitable hearings on the auxiliary frame D and also carrying a sprocket-wheel L over which passes a sprocket-chain L also passing over a sprocket-wheel L, secured at one end of a shaft L extending transversely and mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the rear end of the auxiliary frame D. (See Figs. 1, 4., and 32.) on the other end of the shaft L is secured a bevel-pinion L meshing into a bevel gear-wheel L secured on one end of a transversely-extending shaft L also mounted to turn in suitable hearings on the auxiliary frame D, and on which is mounted to slide and to turn with it a bevel gear-wheel L meshing into a bevel gear-wheel L secured at one end of a transversely-extending shaft E, which is the driving-shaft for the cutting mechanism E and the reel J. \Vhen the shaft K is rotated, as previously described, from the main driving-shaft A,it imparts motion by the gear-wheels L and L to the sprocketwheel L, the sprocket chain L and the sprocket-wheel L so that the shaft L is rotated, which by the gear-wheels L and L" imparts a rotary motion to the shaft L and the latter, by the gear-wheels L and L, rotates the shaft E, so that the latteractuates the cutting mechanism E and the reel J.

The driving-shaft E of the cutting mechanism E is mounted to turn in suitable bearings on the front end of the platform-frame F, and is provided on its outer end on the grain side of the machine with a wheel E provided with four f riction-rollers E mounted to turn on suitable studs projecting from the periphery of the wheel, as is plainly shown in Figs. 1, 12, 1%,15, 17, 18, and 19. The friction-rollers E of the wheel E are arranged equal distances apart on the periphery of the wheel, and are adapted to engage alternately the angularly-arranged edge of a plate E (see Fig. 16,) and then each friction-roller engages the an gularly-arranged edge of another plate E bot-h plates E and E being secured on the outer end of the cutter-bar E, mounted to slide transversely in suitable bearings on the top of the guard-plate E The plates E and E are arranged with their angular edges in such a manner that when one of the friction-rollers E first engages the plate E the cutter-bar E is moved outward, and when the said friction-roller travels over the end of said angularly-arranged edge it passes directly onto the angular edge of the other plate E which is oppositely arranged to the plate E so that the cutter-bar E is moved back by the said roller E to the other side, so that each friction-roller E by alternately engaging the plates E and E moves the cutter-bar outward and inwardthat is, it imparts a full stroke to the cutter-bar. Thus at every revolution of the driving-shaft E the cutterbar E receives four full strokes. The number of friction-rollers E on the wheel E may be increased or lessened in number, as deter-bar at each revolution of the wheel E On top of the cutter-bar E are secured the knives E provided with the usual V-shaped cutting-edges and adapted to pass over the fixed similarly-shaped knives E fastened in the rear part of the guards E projecting in front of the knives E and E and of the usual construction. The guards E are preferably formed on the guard-plate E", as is plainly shown in Figs. 17 and 19. The cutter-bar E is preferably provided with a dovetail on its under side, which fits in a dovetailed groove formedby gibs secured on top of the guardplate EZ-as shown in Fig. 17. Each of the knives E on the cutter-bar E is provided with alongitudinally-extending slot E, into which passes a pin secured on the under side of a transversely-extending plate E passing over the tops of all the knives E and held in place by bolts E screwing in the transversely-extending cutter-bar E and passing through the slots E in the knives. The pins E in conjunction with the bolts E serve to hold the knives in proper alignment. By loosening the bolts E each knife E can be moved forward or rearward unt l it has reached its proper position in relation to the fixed knives E on the guard-plate E WVhen the several knives E are adjusted, the bolts E are screwed up, so that the plate E clamps the several knives E in place on the cutter-bar E. It will be seen that this adjustment of the knives E compensates for sired, to give more or less strokes to the cutthe wear of the knives at the cutting-edges and for the grinding, so that the cutting edges of the knives are always in line over the cutting-edges of the fixed knives E". The guard-plate E is secured at its under side to a transversely-extending plate E fastened to the movable frame F of the platform F.

\Vhen the machine is used for cutting very short grain, a wheel E is secured on the shaft E directly over and slightly in the rear of the knives E so that the grain falls over the said wheel when out by the knives E and E onto the platform F. This wheel E is preferably of the construction shown in detail in Fig. 17, being provided with a number of arms E projecting one beyond the other and slightly rounded at one side, so that the grain falling on the said wheel rests with its buttends against the projecting ribs or ends of the arms E", whereby the latter throw the same forward onto the platform when the shaft E rotates. The guard E nearest the grain side is somewhat longerthan the others, and is connected at its outer end with outwardly-bentrods E and E extending rearward and forminga guard for the mechanism for moving the cutter-bar and the mechanism for operating the reel, so that the grain in the field is prevented from clogging up the said mechanism. A connecting-bar E connects the rods E and E with each other, said connecting bar or rod being fastened to the movable frame F of the platform. The reel J is also operated from the shaft E, and for this purpose the latter is provided with a gear-wheel J, arranged on the outside of the wheel 1 and in mesh with a gear-wheel J fastened on a short shaft J mounted to turn in suitable bearings on the outside of the frame F of the platform F. 011 this shaft J 3 is fulcrumed an upwardlyextending post J, carrying a shaft J near its upper end, on which is f ulcrumed a second post J carrying in its upper end the shaft J on which the reel -wheel proper N is mounted. The shaft J is connected with the shaft J by a sprocket-wheel J secured on the said shaft J and over which passes a sprocket-chain J", also passing over a sprocket-wheel J secured on the shaft J, which also carries a sprocket-wheel J over which passes a sprocket-chain J also passing over a sprocket-wheel J secured on the said shaft J Thus when the shaft E is rotated it imparts a rotary motion by the gear-wheels J and J to the shaft J and the latter, by the sprocket-wheels J and J and the sprocketchain J, imparts a rotary motion to the shaft J which, by the sprocket-wheels J and J and the sprocket-chain J rotates the shaft J so that the reel-wheel N is turned.

The reel-wheel proper N is provided with a hub N, secured on the shaft J and supporting a series of radial reelarms or spokes N each of which supports at its outer end a horizontal arm N, preferably made in a number of telescoping sections N N and N, which can be extended or folded up, as desired, or entirely removed from the reel arm or spoke N. The innermost section N is made of a piece of pipe secured on a projection N fastened on the outer end of the spoke N A spring N is fastened on the said projection N and is provided with a hook adapted to pass into a slot N", formed in the section N from the inside, so as to lock said section in place on the said projection. (See Figs. 27 and 28.) \Vhen the operator desires to remove the entire arm N from its spoke, he presses the spring )1 inward and then slides the inner end of the section N off the projection N The middle section N supports at its inner end a spring N also provided with a hook passing from the inside through an aperture N in the section N The outer end of the hook of the spring N is adapted to engage the outer edge of the section N when the section N is extended, so as to lock the latter in an extended position. It is understood that the section N cannot be pulled out of the section N on account of the collar N secured at the outer end of the section N" and forming a stop for a cap N secured to the inner end of the section )1, as is plainly shown in Fig. 29. \Vhen the operator desires to move the section N into the section N", he presses the spring N inward, so that the latter disengages the collar N and permits of sliding said section N inward into the section N \Vhen the operator pulls the section N out, the spring N snaps into place to lock the section N in an extended position on the section N. The outermost sect-ion N is preferably a rod held to slide in the section N.

The hub N is made in two halves, so as to fold the reel N whenever desired. The two sections are hinged together by hinges N located diametrically opposite each other, as is plainly shown in Fig. 25. A plate N is pivoted to an arm N fastened on one of the spokes between the hinges N the free end of the said plate N being provided with a transvcrsely-extending arm N adapted to pass through an opening N formed in one of the halves of the hub N. In the outer end of the arm N is formed an aperture to permit of inserting a pin N adapted to extend across the aperture N so as to rest against the back of the hub N, serving to lock the two halves of the hub in position.

\Vhen the operator desires to fold the reel proper N for transporting the machine from place to place, he removes the pin N and swings the plate N outward into the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2%, so that the two halves of the hub N can be folded one upon the other. It is understood thatin case the operator desires to do this he first removes the arms N in the manner above referred to. It is understood that the upper half of the reel is swung downward upon the lower half, so that the reel does not extend high up into the air, takes up little room, and can conveniently be folded, with the cutting mechanism E and platform F, against the elevator, as hereinafter more fully described.

The post J 6 can be swung into an inclined position in relation to the post J so as to lower the reel proper N by a mechanism 0, presently to be described. The post J G is provided at its lower end with a segmental gearwheel O, the center of which is the shaft J said gear-wheel 0 being adapted to be engaged by a segmental gear-Wheel plate 0 held to slide on the upper end of the post J 4 and pressed in mesh with the said gear-wheel O by a cam 0 fulcrumed at O to the upper end of the post J The handle 0 on the said cam 0 serves for conveniently operating the cam in order to move the said plate 0 in or out of contact with the gear-wheel O. Aplat-e O is pivoted on the cam 0 and 1s provided with a slot 0 through which passes a pin 0 held on the gear-plate 0 When the cam O is swung downward, the plate 0 draws the plate 0 downward and out of mesh with the segmental gear-wheel O, which can now be turned to move the upper post into an inclined position, after which the cam O is again put in mesh with the wheel O, thus locking the latter. A suitable locking device (not shown) is employed to 110151 the lever O in place after adjusting the rec To the shaft J 5 is pivotally connected a downwardly and rearwardly extending link O", pivotally connected at its lower end with an inclined slide 0 passing through a suitable slot in a box F mounted to slide vertically in suitable bearings F formed on the grain side of the platform-frame F. Awheel F is mounted on the said box F and supports the grain side of the platform. The box, with its wheel F", is mounted to slide vertically, so as to raise or lower the platform, as desired. The mechanism for this movement is hereinafter more fully described. The platform-frame F is preferably rectangular, and through the front and rearpasses the shaft L previously mentioned, and connected with the cutting mechanism, as above described. This shaft L forms the fulcrum for the platform F, so that the latter can be raised and lowered on the grain side by raising and lowering the wheel F In the platform-frame F are arranged longitudinally the end rollers F and F, of which the roller F is mounted to turn with and to slide on the square part of the shaft L so that when the latter is rotated the said roller F rotates with it. Over the rollers F and F passes a series of endless belts F preferably three in number, placed short distances apart, as is plainly shown in Figs. 1 and 12. Between the end rollers F and F is arranged a series of rollers F parallel with the rollers F and F, and each provided with a number of curved prongs F", extending between two successive endless belts F The prongs F serve to move the grain to the elevator G. The roller F next to the roller F is adapted the length of grain to be cut.

to be looked temporarily in place to permit grain to accumulate in front of its prongs, as hereinafter more fully described. Between the two successive rollers F is arranged a roller F pressing against the under side of the lower part of the endless belts F and serving to take up any existing slack. The rollers F are preferably mounted in boxes F mounted to slide vertically in suitable bearings in the platform-frame F, and the said boxes are raised or lowered to increase and diminish the tension of the belts F by set-screws F as is plainly shown in Fig. 13.

The mechanism for shifting the platform F with the cutting mechanism E forward and backward is arranged as follows: The auxiliary frame D is provided with a longitudinally-extending bar D, on the side of which nearest to the platform-frame F is formed a dovetailed groove engaged by a correspondinglyshaped dovetail formed on a U-shaped frame D engaging with its ends the front and rear sides of the platform-frame F, and also engaging by an extension on one end the gearwheel L to move the latter on the shaft L with the platform F. (See Fig. 34.) Through the said end also passes the shaft L On the under side of the frame D is formed a rack D engaged by a gear-wheel D secured on a shaft D mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the frame D and extending transversely to the outer side of the main frame A, as is plainly shown in Fig. 5. On the outer end of the shaft D is secured a bevel gearwheel D, meshing into a bevel gear-wheel D fastened at one end of a shaft D extending longitudinally and mounted to turn in suitable bearings held on the main frame A. On the front end of the shaft D is secured a bevel gear-wheel D meshing into abevel gear-wheel P, secured on a shaft P forming part of a mechanism P for moving the platform F forward and backward, according to The said mechanism also connects with a suitable device, hereinafter more fully described, for raising and lowering the frame B, which carries the self-binder.

The shaft P extends upward and is mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the brackets A and A, previously mentioned, and on the upper end. of the shaft P is secured a hand-wheel P which is taken hold of and turned by the operator seated in the seat A Near the middle of the shaft 1? is secured a grooved collar P", engaged by an arm P secured on a shaft P, mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the seat-frame A and carrying a forwardly-projecting treadle or arm P extending upward a short distance above the foot-rest A and adapted to be engaged by the operators foot, so that the said arm P is pressed downward to turn the shaft P, whereby the arm P raises the shaft P and moves the gear-wheel P out of contact with the gearwheel D. On the lower end of the shaft and next to the said gear-wheel P is arranged IIO a bevel gear-wheel P which, when the said shaft P is raised, as above described, is thrown in mesh with the gear-wheel P, fastcued at the end of a shaft P extending rearward and mounted to turn in suitable bearings on the main frame A. 'hen the operator has pressed the arm P downward with his foot and the shaft P is thereby raised, then he can impart a rotary motion to the shaft P by turning the hand-wheel P This latter shaft P is connected with the mechanism Q for raising and lowering the frame 1) in the following manner: At the other end of the shaft P is secured a bevel gear-wheel P, meshing into a bevel gear-wheel Q, secured on a shaft Q extending transversely and mounted to turn in suitable bearings on the main frame A near the reetangularframe A. On the extreme outer end of the shaft Q next to the gear-wheel Q, is arranged a gear-wheel Q and on the opposite end of the said shaft is secured another gear-wheel Q, said gear-wheels Q and Q meshing in bevel gear-wheels Q and Q secured on the longitudinally extending shafts Q and Q arranged on the outsidcs of the ends of the rectangular frame A, as is plainly shown in Fig. 4. The shafts Q and Q carry the bevel gearwheels Q and Q respectively meshing into bevel gear-wheels Q, and Q respectively cured on the upper ends of screw-rods Q and Q, held to turn in the main frame A and serewin gin the boxes B which carry the trunnions 1-3 of the frame 13. Thus when the operator turns the hand-wheel 1", while the shaft P is held in an uppermost position,the frame B can be raised or lowered by the shaft P impartinga rotary motion to the shafts Q and Q of which the shafts Q and Q, by their connection with the screw-rods Q and Q, turn the latter, so that the boxes I3 slide up and down in their bearings A on the frame A, thus raising or lowering the frame 13. When the operator releases the pressure on the arm P, then the shaft P slides downward by its own weight, so as to disengage its gearwheel P from the gear-wheel P and to engage the gear-wheel P with the bevel gearwheel D. \Vhen the operator now turns the hand-wheel 1", the shaft D is turned and motion is transmitted to the shaft D which, by its gear-wheel D meshing into the rack 1)", causes a forward or backward sliding motion of the frame D which carries the platform frame F and the platform F with it, all sliding on the shaft L The bar 1) of the auxiliary frame I) is provided with a rack D (see Figs. L and 32,) in mesh with a gear-wheel D,secured on one end of a shaft 1), extending transversely under the platform F and mounted to turn in suitable bearings secured on the platformframe F. On the outer end of the shaft D is secured a pinion D, in mesh with a rack 0, extending horizontally from the incline 0 previously mentioned, and connected by the link 0 with the posts of the reel. Now

when the frame F is moved forward or backward by the operator turning the hand-wheel P", as above described, the gear-wheelD will roll on the rack D consequently turning the shaft l), which, by its pinion D engaging the rack 0, moves the latter forward or backward, so that the incline O raises or lowers the box F thus raising or lowering the wheel F supporting the grain side of the platform F. As the incline O" is connected by the link 0 with the posts J and J of the reel, the said posts are swung so as to raise or lower the reel in relation to the platform F. Thus it will be seenthat the movement of the platform F is simultaneous with the changing of the position of the reel J. The grain, after leaving the endless band F on the platform F, passes onto the elevator G. (See Figs. 1, 2, 3, 37, and to inclusive.) The elevator G is shifted from the platformframe F, and is for this purpose provided at its lower end with brackets G, secured on the auxiliary frame I), said brackets carrying a longitudinally-extending bar G having slots G in which are mounted to turn the pivot-pins G secured to the under side at the lower ends of a series of rods 6, extendin g upward and slightly curved in S form, as is plainly shown in Fig. 3. Each of the rods G carries on its face a series of upwardlyextending prongs G, which prevent the grain from sliding down on the rods G. In about the middle of the rods 1 and on the underside is securedalongitudinally-extendingbarGlsupported on a numberof posts G, secured at their lower ends in a slide G", monnted'in a guide G secured on the auxiliary frame D. Near the upper ends of the rods G5 is pivoted a longitudinally-extending board G", curved downward slightly at its upper edge to hold one end of the straw band down, as is plainly shown in Figs. 3 and 50. The extreme upper ends of. the rods G are pivotally connected with each other by a longitudinally-extending bar G and these upper ends of the rods discharge into the holders of the self-binder O, as is hereinafter more fully described. The slide G is rigidly connected with a rod G extending downward (see Figs. 3, 37, and 51) and pivotally connected at its lower end by a link G with a lever G fulcrumed on the under side of the auxiliary frame I) and pivotally connected by a link G with the sliding frame D so that when the latter is moved rearwardly and shifts the platform F in the same direction then the link Gr pulls on the lever G 50' that the link G pushes on the rod G and moves the slide G forward, so that the rods G turning on the pivot-pins G are moved into the angular posi tion shown in Fig. 37. At the rear ends of the longiti'ulinally-extending bars G and G is pivotally connected a flanged plate G" of sufficient width to conveniently support the heads of the grain while the latter moves up the elevator to the holders of the self-binder U.

The grain is moved upward on the rods G IOC by a mechanism R, provided with a series of lifting-rods R, passing between the rods G and pivoted at their inner ends on a longitudinally-extending square shaft R held to slidelongitudinally in collars R mounted to turn in suitable bearings formed in brackets R extending upward from the auxiliary frame D, as is plainly shown in Figs. 3, 37, and 37. On a collar mounted to turn with and to slide on the shaft R is secured a curved arm R (see Fig. 37 engaged by an eye R, secured to a bar R mounted to slide longitudinally in a suitable bearing R secured on one of the brackets R On the bar R are arranged rack-teeth R in mesh with a vertical pinion R mounted to turn in suitable bearings on the frame B of the selfbinder C. On each of the collars R is secured an arm R connected with one end of a spring R fastened with its other end on the auxiliary frame D, so that when the said shaft R is turned to move the rods R upwardits collars R turn with it and the springs R are compressed. When the rods R are released after having attained their uppermost position, as hereinafter more fully described, the said compressed springs R move the lifting-rods back into their lowermost position by turning the shaft R in an inverse direction. The shaft R is moved longitudinally in the collars R by a lever R fulcrumed at its outer end on the fixed plate G 'pivotally connected near its middle with the slide G and pivotally connected at its inner end with a collar R mounted to turn on the shaft R and moving the same longitudinally when the slide G slides and actuates the lever R This movement of the shaft R is necessary to shift the pivotal ends of the lifting-rods R in accordance with the movement of the'rods G when the latter are shifted to accommodate short grain, as shown in Fig. 37. The lower ends of the lifting-rods R are pivotally connected with each other by a longitudinally-extending rod R pro vided at its front end with a plate R adapted to actuate a mechanism for temporarily stopping the motion of the roller F located next the end roller F as hereinafter more fully described.

The pinion R receives an intermittent motion from segmental gears S and S fastened on the top face of the master-wheel S, forming part of the mechanism for the self-binder O. \Vhen the arms R are in their lowermost position, as shown in Fig. 3, then the outer free ends of the said arms rest on thetop of the belts F near the first roller F and are below the lower ends of the rods G and when sufficient grain has accumulated on the lower end of the elevator G on the rods G then one of the segmental gear-wheels S or S turns the pinion B so that the latter slides the rackbar R transversely,whereby the eye R pulls on the curved arm R and thus imparts a turning motion to the shaft R whereby the arms R swing upward and lift the grain 011 the elevator-rods G upward into the respective holder 0 or C of the self-binder C. The moment the respective segmental gear S or S is disengaged from the pinion R the compressed springs R qnickly turn the shaft R in opposite direction, so that the liftingrods R swing downward to their normal position to take up another bundle of grain when the next segmental gear-wheel S or S turns the pinion R The self-binder O is fully described and shown in the application above referred to, and it is provided with holders C and C mounted on arms C secured on a sleeve C and projecting in opposite directions from the latter. On the sleeve G which is mounted to turn, is secured a gear-wheel C receiving an intermittent motion from sets of gear-teeth S i S and S, formed on the periphery of the master-wheel S, previously mentioned. The master-wheel S is provided on its under side with a bevel gear-wheel S which meshes into a bevel gear-wheel S secured on ashaft S mounted to turn in suitable hearings on the frame B and carrying a sprocket-wheel S over which passes a sprocket-chain also passing over a sprocket-wheel S secured on the driving-shaft K, receiving its rotary motion from the main drive-wheel A, as previously more fully described. On the shaft S is also secured a bevel gear-wheel T, meshing into a bevel gear-wheel T secured on the lower end of a vertically-extending shaft T forming a part of the knotting device T, of the same construction as shown and described in the application for Letters Patent above referred to. A further description of this knotting device is not deemed necessary, as it operates in conjunction with the holders 0 and C in the manner fully setforth in the said application.

Each of the holders 0 and C is provided with fixed cams O and G on which travel the semicircular arms and C pivoted on the arms 0 and each of the said semicircular arms is provided with diagonal ropes O secured on bars O extending from the pivots of the holders 0 and O on the arm C as is plainly shown in Figs. 3, 46, 47, and 48. The bars O are pivoted on the ends of the arms C near the pivots of the holders 0 and C and the said bars are held in a horizontal position by springs 0 secured on the arms 0 and supporting with their free ends the said rope-bars 0 (See Fig. 48.) From one of the bars C extends downward the arm O adapted to engage a projection 0 so as to throw the said bar 0 upward suddenly, in order to assist in throwing off the bundle of grain after the band has been tied around it. Each of the semicircular arms 0 or O is provided with a forked end composed of two segmental arms CF, (see Fig.'49,) pivoted at O on the respective semicircular arm 0 or (J and each provided with alug C", engaged by the free end of a spring 0 fastened to the ICO IIO

respective semicircular arm 0 or C The t 

